Public engagement and science communication studentship

Part of the Biochemical Society's Summer Vacation Studentship scheme, our public engagement and science communication studentship will give students experience of working in the public engagement and science communication field through a dedicated project within the Society.

Public engagement and science communication studentship

What will the studentship involve?

The studentship will involve working in the Biochemical Society's Education and Community Engagement Team on a 6 week project, gaining experience in a variety of Society activities.

The studentship will focus on science communication in various forms, including work on the Society's public engagement, outreach and education resources and considering content for The Biochemist magazine. The studentship may also involve work with our community groups and our policy initiatives. The student will additionally have the opportunity to develop skills in marketing and promotion throughout the project.

As the Society is a remote working organisation, the majority of the studentship will take place remotely, with the exception of attending any associated in-person events.

Studentship funding

Students will be awarded a stipend of £400.40 per week for 6 weeks, to support the students’ living costs for the duration of the placement. The stipend is based on a 35 hour week at £11.44/hour (National Living Wage).

The student will receive the grant at the beginning of the studentship.

Students will also be awarded a one-year undergraduate membership of the Biochemical Society. Read more about the benefits of Society membership here, which include discounted registration fees for training courses and events.

The application process

Students will apply for the the public engagement and science communication studentship online.

Students will need to explain why they are applying for this studentship specifically and will have the opportunity to highlight any particular areas of public engagement or science communication they are interested in.

Outcome of applications

Following the review process, the student will be informed of the outcome of their application.

During the studentship

Students will be supervised by members of the Education and Community Engagement Team throughout the project. Students may also be assisted by other members of staff with particular roles in the Society, and will interact with the Society as a whole throughout the project.

As the Society is a remote working organisation, the majority of the studentship will take place remotely, with the exception of attending any associated in-person events. The Society will cover associated travel expenses relating to this.

Students are encouraged to keep track of any skills they have developed over the course of the placement, both technical and transferable, and any impact the project has had on their potential future career.

They are also encouraged to develop their own blogs about their studentship, and to update the Society on their placement using social media by tagging us on Instagram @officialbiochemsoc, on LinkedIn and on X @BiochemSoc.

End of studentship report

It is a condition of the award that the student subsequently submits a report of their studentship, which can be uploaded onto our website.

Additionally, any related output from the project should be written up for use by the Society.

The deadline to complete and send your report is 1 October 2024.

Criteria and eligibility

The studentships are for undergraduate students in biochemistry, molecular bioscience and related subjects.
Students take up the award during one of the middle summer(s) of their undergraduate degree.
- For example, students carrying out a three year undergraduate course are eligible in their second year of study. Students carrying out a four year course are eligible in their second or third years of study.
The public engagement and science communication studentship is open to students who will be based in the UK over the summer of 2024.
Students do not need to be members of the Biochemical Society to apply.
Students can only apply for one Biochemical Society studentship.

Contact us

For further information, please get in touch with the Grants department.

Related grants

Please find other related funding opportunities below.

Two students in a lab using a microscope and computer

Resource

A guide to studying biochemistry at undergraduate level

A guide to the typical course content of a Biochemistry degree, as well as the skills and attributes you will develop during your undergraduate studies.

Resource

Resource

How to become a science writer

A guide to becoming a science writer from the Association of British Science Writers.

Public engagement and science communication studentship

Application deadline